UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series - Champions return to the basics

by Karien Jonckheere on 21 Jan 2014 Defending champions Nadir bin Hendi and Arif Al Zaffain have revealed they will be focusing on the basics and staying calm under pressure as they take on the first round of the 2014 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series this weekend.

Returning to the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi (DIMC) where they wrapped up the 2013 title last month, the Fazza team have their sights firmly set on a repeat performance in this year’s Series. But they know it won’t be easy.

'All the boats are very competitive now, so to stay ahead we should stick to our basics and produce consistent performances,' said Bin Hendi, who returned to racing after two years in the last race of 2013.

The pressure will be on the pair, however, with their teammates Skydive Dubai (Jay Price and Sultan Al Dhaheri) and Victory Team (Salem Al Adidi and Talib Al Sayed) as well as the Mouawad combination of Gary Ballough and Omar Danial and the likes of Six (Tomaso Polli and Matteo Nicolini) likely to challenge them all the way this season.

'Yes the pressure will always be there,' admitted Al Zaffain. 'We know that other teams will do their best to beat us and we will do our best to defend our title.

'When it comes to handling the pressure, we always try to be calm and focused and handle all situations. It's always better to think positive and stay cool,' he added.

Asked why the duo work so well together in the boat, Bin Hendi pointed out: 'We have known each other for a long period of time so we understand each other very well... In other words, when it comes to powerboating, we are two bodies and one soul.

'Obviously last season boosted our confidence. We are very optimistic about 2014 and God willing we will bring the same results this year too.'

Racing in the 2014 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series gets underway at DIMC on Thursday, January 23 with the first Official Practice at 2.30pm.

The race for EMAAR pole position will take place at 9.45am on Friday, January 24 while the head-to-head Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run will be contested at 3pm that same day. The main race, the Dubai Grand Prix, will take place at 3.30pm on Saturday, 24 January.
Entrance is free to the general public.

Once again there will be plenty of activities on offer for the whole family, with a dedicated kids zone, food and beverage on sale and breathtaking Flyboard and Skydive Dubai exhibitions on offer in between the racing.
XCat Racing website